Read Brave is the library's citywide program that encourages youth and adults to read and discuss a book that explores contemporary issues facing teens. Eleanor & Park is a story of two 16-year-olds whose love grows and transcends the teens' painful experiences with bullying and abuse. The book, which has received critical acclaim, reached the top ten New York Times Best Sellers list of young adult books.

All events are free and open to the public. At each event, Rainbow will discuss her book and then be available for signing. Addendum Bookstore will be selling her books.

Saint Paul Public Library introduced Read Brave in 2013 to engage community members of all ages to read a young adult novel and provide a forum for intergenerational conversations. The first year of Read Brave featured the novel Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King, and library partnerships and programs with Avalon School, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, the Science Museum of Minnesota, adult and teen book clubs, and Lady Gaga's Born Brave Bus tour. Avalon School received both state and national Promising Practices awards for their participation with the Saint Paul Public Library's Read Brave initiative.

For more information on being a Read Brave participant in 2015, contact Marika Staloch, Saint Paul Public Library's Youth Services Coordinator, at 651-266-7068 or at marika.staloch@stpaul.gov[1]

Thank you to Saint Paul Parks and Recreation and St. Martin's Press for their support for Read Brave.